poise 1 of 2

Definition of poisenext
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2
as in posture
a general way of holding the body the woman's poise suggested that she was accustomed to having her wishes carried out promptly and without question

Synonyms & Similar Words

poise

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word poise different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of poise are address, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When would address be a good substitute for poise?

The words address and poise can be used in similar contexts, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When can savoir faire be used instead of poise?

The words savoir faire and poise are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Where would tact be a reasonable alternative to poise?

The meanings of tact and poise largely overlap; however, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of poise
Noun
Anjali Sud, head of Tubi, steered it through significant growth and gained acclaim for her poise and business acumen. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 June 2026 While an archery set is a more conventional instrument of death, it’s wielded with eerie poise by one diminutive villain played by Yayan Ruhian. Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 June 2026
Verb
Nigerians who missed out on previous listings by large companies — such as by MTN’s in 2019 — see the upcoming IPO as a rare opportunity to get a slice of a company poised to dominate the local energy market. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 26 June 2026 Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sweden and Ecuador already advanced that way, and Paraguay is poised to join that group, which would mean four qualifiers left. ABC News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for poise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poise
Noun
  • The clock is ticking, again, and their resources and equilibrium have dwindled, again.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
  • But Claire has her limits from the lopsided equilibrium — Libras bounce when the romantic balance is off-kilter.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • That proactive posture is worth a fortune.
    Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Bartlett’s posture is ramrod straight, his voice a pleasant, precise British lilt that’s nothing like his natural Australian accent.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • In the three years between Special and Bitch, Lizzo began bracing herself for a sharp decline in public interest by creating music that existed on the outskirts of what audiences came to know her for.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2026
  • Now, as traders fear the bitcoin house of cards could be collapsing, the market is braced for the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation to cement an interest rate hike later this year.
    Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The Oranje are leading possession and for the most part have been hovering perilously close to Tunisia’s net.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • Euclid, which is hovering 930,0000 miles from Earth, captured the image with its visible light camera over 26 hours in March 2025.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • But the governor's office said the lower rate didn't change his stance.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Classes typically cover correct stance, guard and foot positioning, basic punches and defensive movements like slips and rolls.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • MonthiraYodtiwong/Getty Images Few sources of income are as legally fortified as a federal disability check.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • The Greens made a key alliance with the Triarchy to fortify its naval forces.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Later in 2020, a federal proposal to loosen that permitting process was floated, and then later shelved.
    Alex Burton, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • In 2026, fireworks will be shot off from sites that stretch from the National Mall to nearby West Potomac Park and on to eight barges floating in the Potomac River.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • During the preference sheet meeting, the major difference in Kayley and Genevieve’s attitudes is perfectly illustrated.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 June 2026
  • Formalwear embraced a relaxed attitude, with most of the blazers coming collarless, or with mandarin collars and kimono-inspired, paired with looser-fit trousers nodding to pajamas.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Poise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poise. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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